Transporting your car overseas doesn’t just involve handing over the keys to your transport company. A variety of documentation that needs accomplished to ensure smooth shipment hassle-free. Whether you are relocating, sending a car to a new owner, or transporting your vehicle for another reason. Knowing what documents are needed will help in the timely and proper international car shipping.
In this blog, we will take you through the top documentation tips for international car shipping that you should note for safe transportation of your car.
Essential Papers for Shipping your Vehicle
Shipment Papers
The Bill of Lading is a significant document for international car shipping. It is the receipt for the vehicle and the contract between the shipper (you) and the transport company. The shipment’s terms and conditions are agreed by the Bill of Lading (BOL). The condition of the vehicle when picked up, the delivery date, and the ultimate delivery location of the automobile.
The BOL should indicate the status of your car at the time of pickup. Make sure you report any existing damage, to avoid disputes at the time of delivery.
Document of Ownership
Proving ownership is necessary to legally import or export a vehicle out of the country. It can be the certificate of title, registration, or notarized bill of sale. Proof of ownership confirms that you own the vehicle and that you may transfer the car to a new location.
Always keep the proof of ownership with you. The name and information on the shipping papers must match.
Statement of export
To move your vehicle cross-border you will need to submit customs export declaration. The vehicle’s make, model, VIN, engine size and other particulars should included in the declaration. This document is typically supplied to the customs office of the country prior to dispatching the goods.
Ensure that all information on the export declaration corresponds with the vehicle details. Any inconsistencies can delay the clearing process at customs.
Documentation commerciale
Most countries have their own laws relating to the importation of cars. You will have to complete customs forms, depending on the laws and regulations in the destination country. The paperwork may require you to input your vehicle specifications, note why you are shipping the car, and indicate if you will be selling it there or not.
Get the customs paperwork ready in advance to avoid trouble. If you need help filling in the documents, asking your transport provider is recommended because many international car ship companies offer these services.
Vehicle Assessment Report
A vehicle inspection report is usually required by the transport company and customs. The report steps the condition of your car before it is shipped so you can validate if any damage occurred during the ship process. Check the body, tires and windows and interior of the car thoroughly.
To ensure you properly document the existing situation, have a professional inspection done and take photos of any existing damage. If your vehicle gets damage, it will help you claim for the damages.
Your court lawyer for rejects
A power of attorney may be necessary if you will not be the one to ship your car, or if you will be shipping through a company or relative. This document allows another person to legally act on behalf of a person in a car shipment.
Make sure that the POA is notarize and contains the details of the vehicle and the powers grant.
Look up the laws of your destination country
Each country has a set of rules, which include taxes, fees and modification needed. Always check the regulations specific to the country you’re visiting. Certain Countries require modifications to your vehicle to comply with regulations such as emissions or headlights before shipping.
Get in touch with customs or your transportation firm to ensure you understand the vehicle regulations.
Know Your Shipping Method
There are many means to ship cars internationally such as Container shipping, and RoRo shipping. Container shipping places your vehicle inside a shipping container for maximum protection. The RoRo ships use a different method to load vehicles, a method which involves driving them onto the ship. After the vehicle is driven upon the ship, it is park there.
Be sure to choose a shipping option that works with your budget and car. Container shipping is ideal for high-value vehicles, while RoRo is more affordable but lacks coverage from external conditions.
Verify Insurance Policy
Insure your car properly for its shipping. Pretty much all shipping companies are going to offer you a standard insurance; just check the levels. If your car is valuable, you may want to consider extra insurance. Another option would be for you to want more coverage for damages.
Make sure you go through the details of the insurance that comes with the damage and ask them what do they come with.
Plan for Deliveries and Pickups
Coordinate delivery and pickup details with your shipping company. When you ship a car overseas, check when it arrives and who will pick it up after it lands. One can expect the customs clearance process to take place on arrival for delivery clearance.
Maintain communication with your shipping company during the entire process to receive updates on your vehicle and know the required actions.
To sum up
Sending a vehicle overseas takes care of most dots and crosses most t’s especially documentation. To avoid delays, ensure compliance and protect your move, you need to have the relevant forms and information ready. With the proper documentation, you can experience a smooth shipping process. There are a number of reasons why you may require your vehicle moved from A to B. Whether you are relocating your home, selling your car or transporting for other reasons, having the right documents will help ensure your vehicle gets to where it needs to go safely and on time.
